Michigan teen guilty of making threats to attack school:
(Log in info) Andrew Osantowski’s defense attorney, Brian Legghio, continues to crack me up…
Defense attorney Brian Legghio said he plans to file an appeal after the sentencing arguing, among other things, the cache of weapons discovered in Osantowski’s home should have not been admissible as evidence. Prosecutors did not have to prove Osantowski had the capability or the intent to carry out a threat, he said, and called that evidence prejudicial.
“When you peel that away, all you’re left with is a text message,” said Legghio, who doubted the message alone would have been enough to get a conviction.
He added that he would “bet my bar card” that the conviction would be overturned on appeal.
I would love to take that bet. Osantowski pleaded guilty to the stolen weapons charge, so why shouldn’t it have been presented as evidence? Why is it prejudicial if it’s fact?
What is also very interesting is this quote from Chippewa Valley Superintendent Mark Deldin…
“There probably would have been some fear in our community if he had gone back home, in our neighborhoods,” Deldin said. “But I think the biggest message that this verdict sends today goes beyond Chippewa Valley Schools. It’s a resounding message that threats of violence and terrorism in our schools will not be tolerated.”
Emphasis mine.
That’s a great point. This case should have gotten more media attention than it did. This case should serve as a warning to those who would entertain the thought of attacking their school that this is their fate. I hope the sentencing phase drives home that point as well.
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